Economy in Brief

Germany’s industrial production fell by 1.6% in February as bad weather may have taken a toll on output. Construction output fell by 7.2% in February. The March construction PMI for Germany fell for the first time since 2015. [...]

The job market cooled off last month. Nonfarm payrolls rose 103,000 (1.6% y/y) during March following a 326,000 February gain and a 176,000 January increase. Together these two figures were revised down by 50,000. A 195,000 increase [...]

The global PMIs have largely weakened in March. Much of this is on the back of weakening services sectors (see Chart). Of the 14 countries listed in the table (excludes EMU), all but one, India, weaken in March compared to February. [...]

The U.S. trade deficit in goods and services widened to $57.6 billion during February from $56.7 billion in January, revised from $56.6 billion. It was the largest deficit since October 2009. A $56.7 billion deficit had been expected [...]

Initial applications for jobless insurance climbed to 242,000 during the week ended March 31 from 218,000 in the prior week. That March 24 number is revised from 215,000. Despite the 24,000 increase in the latest week, initial claims [...]

The EMU continues to make growth progress and make progress in reducing the unemployment rate in the area. The EMU unemployment rate is down to its 2008 low. But bigger issue loom. Euro-Kumbaya! Among the original EMU members, all [...]

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that its total Mortgage Applications Volume Index declined 3.3% last week (-2.3% y/y), following a 4.8% increase during the prior week. Purchase loan applications fell 2.1% (+5.2% y/y), after [...]

Manufacturers' orders rebounded 1.2% (+7.1% year-on-year) during February following a 1.3% decline in January. Manufacturing shipments increased 0.2% (+6.1% y/y) to a record high $501 billion. Shipments have risen for 11 consecutive [...]